title: Multimodal imaging probes based on Gd-DOTA conjugated quantum dot nanomicelles.
abstract: Recently, multimodal nanoparticles integrating dual- or tri-imaging modalities into a single hybrid nanosystem have attracted plenty of attention in biomedical research. Here, we report the fabrication of two types of multimodal micelle-encapsulated nanoparticles, which were systematically characterized and thoroughly evaluated in terms of their imaging potential and biocompatibility. Optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging probes were integrated by conjugating DOTA-gadolinium (Gd) derivative to quantum dot based nanomicelles. Two amphiphilic block copolymer micelles, amine-terminated mPEG-phospholipid and amine-modified Pluronic F127, were chosen as the capping agents because of their excellent biocompatibility and ability to prevent opsonization and prolong circulation time in vivo. Owing to their different hydrophobic-hydrophilic structure, the micellar aggregates exhibited different sizes and protection of core QDs. This work revealed the differences between these nanomicelles in terms of the stability over a wide range of pH, along with their cytotoxicity and the capacity for chelating gadolinium, thus providing a useful guideline for tailor-making multimodal nanoparticles for specific biomedical applications.
authors.affiliation: School of Science, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, Jilin, China.
authors.forename: Liwei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Wing-Cheung
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Ken-Tye
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.forename: Indrajit
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Folarin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Erogbogbo
authors.forename: Xihe
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Paras N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Prasad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002614:Chelating Agents; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D008823:Micelles; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000378:metabolism; D011108:Polymers; D045663:Quantum Dots
chemical_list: D002614:Chelating Agents; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D008823:Micelles; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011108:Polymers; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C028210:monomethoxypolyethylene glycol; C050823:gadolinium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetate